One of the tricky aspects of filling out a bracket is figuring out which team(s) can jump up and spring a surprise or two. Last season two teams from non-Power 6 leagues (Butler and VCU) reached Houston, and throughout the history of the 64/65/68-team era there have been teams who have made runs. Below are eight teams who can make surprising runs in the bracket, some to win a game or two and a couple others capable of getting to New Orleans.

With games at #13 San Diego State and against #11 UNLV this week, Steve Alford's New Mexico Lobos had a great opportunity to not only take control of the Mountain West but also make a statement nationally.

With hopes of not only remaining a factor in the ACC race but also
notching their first win at #5 Duke since 1995, NC State was more than
motivated for Thursday night's battle. And they played that way out of
the gates, scoring the first eight points of the game and leading by as
many as 19 points in the first half. But while the Wolfpack would
continue to control play in the early portion of the second half, the
foul trouble that developed for Mark Gottfried's team in the first half
began to take its toll.